When it comes to choosing the best protein powder, there’s a wide range of categories depending on what you’re looking for. Whey protein isolate is a top choice when you want something high-quality that digests easily. If you’re interested in the latest trend of something lighter and more fruity than a milkshake, you may want to consider clear whey protein. (1)
At BarBend, we have a team of expert testers who put every supplement through a standard process to deliver ratings you can trust. We’ve tested over 100 protein powders and narrowed them down to a solid list of five. I’ll lay out the specs, pros, cons, and a quick review for each product so you can understand why we chose it — and you’ll get valuable insight from our testers and experts along the way. Let’s get into our list of the best clear protein drinks.
The 5 Best Clear Protein Drinks of 2024
- Best Clear Protein Drink Overall: Seeq
- Best Tasting Clear Protein Drink: Naked Nutrition Clear Naked Whey
- Best Clean Clear Protein Drink: MyProtein Clear Whey Isolate
- Best Clean Protein Powder: Isopure Protein Powder
- Best Clear Whey Protein Drink: Ensure Clear
Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Clear Protein Drinks
The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To determine the best clear protein drinks, we’ve tested supplements from the industry’s most trusted brands using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Below are some of the categories and components that played into our rankings.
For further information on how we trial and test the products chosen for this guide and more, be sure to read the BarBend Supplement Testing Methodology page.
- Protein Content: The more the merrier — we like a protein content of at least 20 to 30 grams. We also look at what kind of protein it is.
- Other Ingredients: In this case, less is more. We give higher ratings for fewer additives, simpler ingredients, and clinical dosages.
- Price: We judge by the price per serving — dividing the number of servings by the total product cost. We also look for subscription options to lower the cost.
- Third-Party Testing: Products that do third-party testing give peace of mind that what you see on the label is what you get. In some cases, it may also guarantee that there are no banned substances.
Best Clear Protein Drink Overall: Seeq
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $1.79
- Servings Per Container: 25
- Protein Per Serving: 22 grams
- Key Ingredients: Whey protein isolate, natural and artificial flavors, citric acid, sucralose, malic acid, polysorbate 80, sunflower lecithin, silicone
- Available Flavors: Sour Green Apple, Blue Razz Freeze, Watermelon Wave, Strawberry Lemonade, Fruit Punch, Mango Pineapple; Limited Edition: Strawberry Daiquiri, Piña Colada, Classic Margarita (9)
- Third-Party Testing: No
Our pick for the best clear protein drink overall goes to Seeq. Seeq is a newer company that gained popularity on TikTok, and we love it. It has 22 grams of clear whey isolate, which is the highest on our list. Whey protein isolates are (almost) the most processed form of whey protein, so it loses a few grams as most fat, carbs, and lactose get removed. (1)
Clear whey protein is filtered down even further, and Seeq uses an ultra-filtration process to get there. It comes in nine flavors — our tester, Rosie Borchert, loves the taste. Borchert tried Sour Green Apple and says “it hit the spot.” She rates the taste “a 5 out of 5. If I could give it more points, I would.” She also calls it her “favorite protein drink, out of about 15 different types I’ve ever tried.”
What makes this clear protein different is that it comes out light and juicy. As Borchert notes. Borchert rates both texture and solubility a 5 out of 5. She says, “While only 99% of the product dissolved, I liked the 1% of undissolved flavor that floated at the top. I gave it about 6 good strong shakes in a blender bottle and it basically all mixed up. However, there were a couple small cunks of the powder which didn’t dissolve — weirdly enough, I kind of liked this. They floated on the top of the drink and made it feel like a specialty cocktail. They weren’t like the chunks from a typical protein powder; they reminded me of itty bitty lychee fragments.” Interesting take.
She confirms it’s a thin drink, as opposed to a milkshake-texture, or, “more like flavored water, or an ice pop that’s melted.” On texture, she adds, “The consistency is more on the thin side than thick — if you’ve ever had a full sugar Gatorade when you’re sweaty and out of breath, and how the Gatorade like sticks to the inside of your mouth — it’s like that.”
As Bochert says, “Gold stars across the board.”
Read our full Seeq Protein Powder Review.
Best Tasting Clear Protein Drink: Naked Nutrition Clear Naked Whey
Naked Nutrition Clear Naked Whey is a water-based protein drink that delivers 20 grams of whey isolate protein and just 100 calories per serving. It contains no sugar, lactose, soy, gluten, or artificial sweeteners. All told, you'll only find five ingredients in its formulation.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $1.29
- Servings Per Container: 28
- Protein Per Serving: 20 grams
- Key Ingredients: Whey protein isolate, natural flavors, citric acid, fermented cane sugar, monk fruit extract
- Available Flavors: Lemonade, Fruit Punch, Grape (3)
- Third-Party Testing: Yes
Our pick for the best-tasting clear protein drink is Naked Nutrition Clear Naked Whey. Our tester rates the taste of the Lemonade flavor a 4 out of 45, saying: “It’s sharp and sweet in that artificial way you tend to get from powdered lemonade. And it doesn’t have any sugar, which I love.”
The taste likely comes from its minimal list of ingredients and no artificial sweeteners or additives. It’s a pretty simple product that is also third-party tested, so you can trust that what you see on the label is what you get. All of the protein comes from clear whey protein isolate, so it’s bioavailable and may be especially easy to digest. If you’re looking to build muscle, 100 calories per serving may be a little low. But if your goal is weight loss, it’s just right. I rate the ingredients and formulation a 5 out of 5.
On texture and solubility, our tester adds, “Just stirring it won’t do the trick here. You’ll need a shaker cup” But don’t head right to the blender: “True to what the instructions say, this really foams up intensely. But while the label says it’ll take about a minute to settle, it took closer to 3 or 4 minutes for me. I wouldn’t recommend using a blender — the foaming was out of control, so I’d absolutely use a shaker cup.” Overall solubility is a 3.5 out of 5 from our tester.
The texture, on the other hand, gets full marks from our texture. “The texture was awesome! It felt like downing a Gatorade.”
Clear Naked Whey is gluten-free and said to be lactose-free. Any whey product cannot be fully lactose-free, though a highly processed clear whey isolate will have significantly less lactose than any of the best whey protein powders made from concentrate. Overall, our tester says: “I love the macro balance for what I need, and their transparent ingredient list contributing to a quality product.”
Best Clean Clear Protein Drink: MyProtein Clear Whey Isolate
MyProtein Clear Whey Isolate packs 20 grams of hydrolyzed whey protein isolate and less than 90 calories per serving. It contains no sugar or fat, and is third-party tested for purity.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $1.99
- Servings Per Container: 20
- Protein Per Serving: 20 grams
- Key Ingredients: Whey protein isolate (3 flavors) or hydrolyzed whey protein (9 flavors) artificial and natural flavoring (citric acid, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, silicon dioxide)
- Available Flavors: Blood Orange, Blue Raspberry, Cola, Jelly Belly Berry Blue, Lemonade, Lemon Lime, Mike and Ike Strawberry, Peach Mango, Strawberry, Strawberry Kiwi, Tropical Dragonfruit, Watermelon (12)
- Third-Party Testing: Yes
Our pick for the best clean clear protein drink is Myprotein Clear Whey Isolate. Although it contains a small amount of artificial sweeteners and flavors, its primary ingredient is 20 grams of whey protein isolate (for three flavors) and hydrolyzed whey protein (the remaining nine flavors). Plus, it’s third-party tested and certified by Informed Protein, meaning that what you see on the label is what you get — there are no unlisted additives.
It is also a sugar-free, gluten-free, zero-carb powder, with four extra grams of BCAAs. For ingredients and formulation, I’m giving the formulation a 4.5 out of 5 because it does have some artificial sweetener, though I love that you can trust the label.
As a clear protein, when mixed, it’s more like protein juice than a milkshake and comes in 12 fruity flavors. Our tester, a nutrition coach, rates the taste a 4.3 out of 5. They say, “I went for the Mike and Ike Sour Watermelon flavor and who, it was liquid candy. If you have sensitive gums or teeth, watch out because this is definitely a sour experience. But if you love the candy, this will be a great choice.”
On solubility and texture, they give it a 4 out of 5. They say, “This one tends to foam a bit at first, but not as intensely as other clear wheys I’ve had. A good shake in your cup will do the trick, and the foam will settle down after just about a minute.”
When it’s not on sale, one serving costs a high $2.00, luckily, the website frequently offers sale prices on various flavors — so you can try to catch one if you want to try it.
Best Clean Protein Powder: Isopure Protein Powder
With only five total ingredients and just 90 calories per serving, Isopure Clear Protein Powder offers a macro-friendly way to meet your protein goals. Each scoop packs 20 grams of hydrolyzed whey protein isolate without any fat, artificial flavors, or added sugars.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $2.19
- Servings Per Container: 16 or 36
- Protein Per Serving: 20 grams
- Key Ingredients: Whey protein isolate, natural flavor, citic acid, stevia leaf extract, color from tumeric extract or fruit and vegetable juice
- Available Flavors: Citrus Lemonade, Mango Lime, Mixed Berry, Pineapple Orange Banana, Tropical Punch, Watermelon Lime (6)
- Third-Party Testing: No
Our favorite clean protein powder with clear whey is Isopure Protein Powder. Like our others, it’s a clear whey isolate but only contains five ingredients and no artificial sweeteners (though it has Stevia, a natural sweetener). They don’t use dyes or color, either, and the fruity flavors get their color from ingredients like turmeric extract or fruit or vegetable juice.
You get 20 grams of protein per serving for 90 calories, which is an excellent ratio, ideal if you’re looking to boost how much protein you get without added calories. It’s also a zero-carb, sugar-free, gluten-free protein powder. For ingredients and formulation, I’d rate it a 5 out of 5 if they did third-party testing. However, they don’t, it brings the rating down to 3.5 out of 5. That’s because technically, we can’t be sure of the ingredient list.
Isopure is a popular brand, and customers love the taste of the six fruit flavors. Our tester rates the taste a 3 out of 5. They explain: “I tried out the Mango Lime flavor a couple times a week with my girlfriend — we used it until the tub ran out. Unfortunately, we both detected a bit more lime than we did mango. There was a bit of a watered-down vibe to it. My girlfriend phrased it really well: she said she wanted to have a Kool Aid experience, but this was more of the Aid without all the Kool.”
On solubility and texture, our tester gives it a 4.5 out of 5, saying: “There were no real problems to report. There were a couple of small lumps that we couldn’t shake out, but they were tiny and it wasn’t a big bother.”
While Isopure is over $2.00 per serving, you can get a subscription on Amazon that lowers the cost to $1.74, so I’ll rate the price per serving a 4 out of 5. Remember that you’re paying more for a cleaner product. So if that’s important to you, it’s an excellent choice for a light protein water.
Best Clear Whey Protein Drink: Ensure Clear
In each bottle of Ensure Clear Nutrition Drink, you'll find 8 grams of protein, 0 grams of fat, and 15 vitamins and minerals, including robust doses of iron, zinc, and vitamin B6.
Specs
- Price Per Serving: $2.08
- Servings Per Container: 12
- Protein Per Serving: 8 grams
- Key Ingredients: Water, corn maltodextrin, sugar, whey protein isolate. less than 0.5% of natural flavor, phosphoric acid, malic acid, citric acid, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, red 40, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, niacinamide, calcium pantothenate, blue 1, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamine hydrochloride, riboflavin, chromium chloride, potassium iodide, sodium selenate, sodium molybdate, biotin, and vitamin b12.
- Available Flavors: 2
- Third-Party Testing: This is a drink, not a dietary supplement, so third-party testing doesn’t apply.
Our choice for the best clear whey protein drink is Ensure Clear, and it’s a little different from our usual high-protein post-workout favorites. At only 8 grams of protein, 35 grams of carbohydrates, and 18 grams of added sugar, it may not be your first choice after you hit the gym. But don’t let that stop you — the convenience of having a pre-made drink all ready to go can’t be beat, and our tester, Matt Cummings, appreciates the 8 grams of protein per bottle. “This nutrition drink feels like drinking juice, which might make it a good option for anyone who doesn’t enjoy mixing up a protein shake or downing a protein bar,” he says.
Ensure Clear is an efficient way to get some whey protein when you’re on the go or if you’re sick and unable to consume your regular diet. Ensure Clear is also high in many vitamins and minerals, including electrolytes, so it’s a nice hydration boost with a little bit of protein. It has a long list of ingredients, including additives and artificial sweeteners, so I’ll give it a 2.5 out of 5 for ingredients and formulation.
“There is a ton of added sugar (18 grams per serving) for what is supposed to be a nutrition drink. It also uses artificial sweeteners (acesulfame and sucralose),” our tester observes. But it does taste great, like many other customers online who’ve left reviews when they were sick and needed to get a little extra protein in. “I enjoyed the Mixed Fruit flavor, but didn’t like that I was guzzling down 18 grams of added sugar (from artificial sweeteners, no less),” our tester explains. “The flavor itself actually achieved a good level of tartness without being overbearing. I’d go with this flavor again.”
It seems a little high at $2.08 per serving, but remember in this case you’re getting a bottled drink, not just a scoop of protein powder. You’re also paying for the convenience of something ready to go, so I’ll rate the price a 4 out of 5.
Benefits of Clear Protein Drinks
Clear protein drinks have the same primary benefit as other protein drinks: they boost your protein intake and are extra convenient for post-workout nutrition. Clear protein drinks differ in that they are derived from whey protein isolate, which is easier to digest and contains a higher percentage of protein than whey concentrate (or non-whey protein powders). Clear whey isolate drinks have a few other benefits.
- Lighter Alternative to Thicker Protein Shakes: Typical protein shakes have a thick, milkshake-like consistency. Clear protein mixes well with water into a light and fruity juice-like beverage, getting your daily protein in a juice-esque drink rather than a milkshake,
- High-Quality Whey Protein Isolate: Whey protein isolate is a complete protein that contains all the amino acids your body needs to build muscle. Adding it to your diet can help with muscle growth, fat loss, exercise recovery, bone health, and overall health. (2)
- Almost Lactose-Free: Clear protein is a more filtered and processed version of whey protein isolate. Whey protein isolate has nearly all of its lactose (and fat and carbs) removed and is 90 to 95% pure protein — clear whey takes it another step. Many of these brands call their products “lactose-free,” but whey still comes from cow’s milk. (2)
How Much Do Clear Protein Drinks Cost?
Depending on which brand you choose, a clear protein drink will set you back anywhere from $1.29 to $2.19 per serving. It’s a pretty comparable range to other whey protein supplements from reputable brands. Here’s how they all line up.
| Best Clear Protein Drink Overall | Seeq | $1.79 |
| Best Tasting Clear Protein Drink | Naked Nutrition Clear Naked Whey | $1.29 |
| Best Clean Clear Protein Drink | MyProtein Clear Whey Isolate | $1.99 |
| Best Clean Protein Powder | Isopure Protein Powder | $2.19 |
| Best Clear Whey Protein Drink | Ensure Clear | $2.08 |
What to Consider Before Buying Clear Protein Drinks
For some folks, the best time to drink a protein shake is when they don’t have time to prepare a balanced meal to get all the necessary goods. Before choosing a clear protein drink, consider the big factors (macros, ingredients, and safety), so you know you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
Protein Content
It’s a protein drink, so you want plenty of protein, but how much is enough for you? You might want a higher option if you have a higher protein intake goal. If you know you get plenty of protein during the rest of your day, this might not be your top factor. Our picks range from 8 to 22 grams per serving.
- Seeq: 22 grams
- Naked Nutrition Clear Naked Whey: 20 grams
- MyProtein Clear Whey Isolate: 20 grams
- Isopure Protein Powder: 20 grams
- Ensure Clear: 8 grams
Fat and Carbs
If you track your macros or follow a keto diet, you’ll want to pay attention to how much fat and carbs are in your protein powder of choice.
- Seeq: 0 grams of fat, 1 gram of carbs
- Naked Nutrition Clear Naked Whey: 0 grams of fat, 3 grams of carbs
- MyProtein Clear Whey Isolate: 0 grams of fat, 0 grams of carbs
- Isopure Protein Powder: 0 grams of fat, 0 grams of carbs
- Ensure Clear: 0 grams of fat, 35 grams of carbs
Sweeteners
Sweeteners in protein powders come down to personal preference. Some want to avoid added sugar and don’t mind artificial substitutes, while others don’t like the taste of artificial sweeteners.
- Seeq: Sucralose
- Naked Nutrition Clear Naked Whey: Fermented Cane Sugar and Monk Fruit Extract
- MyProtein Clear Whey Isolate: Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium
- Isopure Protein Powder: Stevia Leaf Extract
- Ensure Clear: Sugar, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium
Third-Party Testing
Since the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate dietary supplements, checking if a product is third-party tested helps you know if you can trust the label. Athletes will also want to check for banned substances.
Registered dietitian and clinical nutritionist Aimee Gershberg explains: “Since protein powders are technically dietary supplements, they are not regulated by the FDA, so there is no way to know for sure what a protein powder truly contains,” she explains. “It is best to look for a protein powder that is third-party tested.”
- Seeq: No
- Naked Nutrition Clear Naked Whey: Yes
- MyProtein Clear Whey Isolate: Yes
- Isopure Protein Powder: No
- Ensure Clear: Beverages are not dietary supplements, so they adhere to FDA standards.
Best Clear Protein Drinks FAQs
What is the best clear protein drink?
Our pick for the best clear protein drink is Seeq Clear Protein.
How much do clear protein drinks cost?
Clear protein drinks range from $1 to $2 per serving. Specifically, our list goes from $1.29 per serving of Naked Nutrition Clear Naked Whey to $2.19 per serving of Isopure Protein Powder.
Is clear protein better than whey protein powder?
Truthfully, it is only better if you prefer the taste of a light clear protein drink to a thicker, milky protein shake. Clear protein may also have slightly less lactose than whey protein isolate, so it could also be better for people who are lactose-sensitive — but may not be fully clear for lactose-intolerant folks.
References
- Hoffman JR, Falvo MJ. Protein – Which is Best? J Sports Sci Med. 2004 Sep 1;3(3):118-30. PMID: 24482589; PMCID: PMC3905294.
- Cava E, Padua E, Campaci D, Bernardi M, Muthanna FMS, Caprio M, Lombardo M. Investigating the Health Implications of Whey Protein Consumption: A Narrative Review of Risks, Adverse Effects, and Associated Health Issues. Healthcare (Basel). 2024 Jan 18;12(2):246. doi: 10.3390/healthcare12020246. PMID: 38255133; PMCID: PMC10815430.
